Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality

We believe that marriage is the original and foundational God-ordained institution of human society and has only one meaning. In marriage, one man and one woman unite in a covenant of promise before God and witnesses to form an exclusive union, as delineated in God’s Word, the Bible (Genesis 2:18–25). Marriage is God’s example and picture of the relationship between Christ (the Bridegroom) and His Church (the Bride), made up of all who receive and trust in His Son Jesus alone for salvation (Ephesians 5:30–32). Marriage between a man and a woman is God’s natural and righteous provision to bring children into the world (Genesis 1:27–28). 

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Gen 1:26-27.) The two distinct, complementary genders, both to be treated with dignity and respect, reflect the creative, natural order given by God. (Gen 5:1-2). We believe that sexuality is a gift from God to be enjoyed within the bounds of marriage. We believe that no intimate, sexual activity should be engaged in outside of an exclusive marriage between a man and a woman (Exodus 20:14; Hebrews 13:4; Ephesians 5:3). 

We believe that any form of sexual activity outside of God’s boundaries (including, but not limited to, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, or incest) is offensive to God and, therefore, sinful (Rom. 1:26-27; Matthew 15:18–19; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10, Lev 18:22-23; 1 Tim 1:9-10). 

We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10; 1 Cor 6:9-11.) We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31.) Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Big Canyon.